Common Shower Mistakes Are Why You're Breaking Out

There is nothing more pleasant than having a warm shower after a long day -- but this warm shower can actually cause acne. As strange as it might be, while taking a shower removes dirt and promotes relaxation, it can also damage your skin.

The skin is the largest organ we have, and it's both sturdy and highly sensitive. The skin has a layer of good bacteria which helps you stay healthy. But this layer can be removed completely by showers, leaving the skin prone to acne and other conditions.

From harsh chemicals to germs, a shower can lead to a violent breakout, including multiple types of acne if you're not careful.

1. You haven't replaced your sponge/loofah.

We love to rub the sponge on our skin, but dermatologists say it's not a great idea. Sponges and loofahs become filled with germs and dead skin cells.

What's worse is that sponge stays in the bathroom, in high humidity, which is a breeding ground for bacteria of all kinds. One of the best ways to avoid rubbing your skin with germs and bacteria is to invest in an antibacterial sponge.

2. You didn't check your soap's ingredients.

Many soaps contain sodium hydroxide, a compound which disrupts the pH balance of the skin. Depending on your skin type, the soap can make it too dry or too oily, which results in a breakout.

Luckily, there are many alternatives to a sodium hydroxide soap. For your face, you can try coconut milk, honey or chamomile tea. For your, body you can try soaps made from natural ingredients, such as dead sea minerals and coconut oil.

You can also make your own soap if you're crafty!

3. You're exfoliating too much/not enough.

If you are one of those people who overdo it and exfoliate your skin too often, you can also find yourself dealing with dry skin, irritations and aged skin. To protect your skin you can make your own exfoliator at home by using coffee grinds or a mix made from honey and corn, which you can use once a day.

4. You're not hydrating at the right time.

One of the reasons you experience breakouts is lack of hydration. Showering promotes dryness, so it's important to hydrate your skin properly.

The best time to hydrate your skin is just after the shower, when the pores are open and it's already wet. Apply a natural jojoba oil which hydrates the skin and leaves it glowing (without clogging pores).

5. Your water contains impurities.

More than 80 percent of the tap water is considered to be hard, which means it is filled with chemicals, such as chlorine and heavy metals.

These can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to breakouts and irritations. To avoid this problem you can install a filter on your shower, which is able to remove all the chemicals from the water, making is softer.

6. You're using the wrong shampoo.

Just like the soap and exfoliator can damage your skin, the shampoo and conditioner you use can have the same effect. Dermatologists say that shampoos might be clogging the scalp pores and leading to itchiness.

On top of this, as the shampoo and conditioner touch your skin, they can cause irritation and acne. To stay safe and clean, switch to a natural shampoo and conditioner.